Police were told that Surasri Jupmatta, 20, was riding his bike past Wat Kosit Wiharn on Thepkasattri Rd in Phuket Town when he apparently ran out of fuel.
A witness told police that a group of men on four or five motorbikes riding past took a sudden severe dislike to Mr Surasri, one of them asking him, "What are you looking at me for?"
The group then attacked him, kicking and punching him to the ground. At least one used a knife on him; he received a deep slash in his left armpit and was then stabbed in the head.
The group drove off, leaving Mr Surasrilying on the road bleeding profusely, with the knife still embedded in his head.
Local people called for assistance and Mr Surasri was rushed to hospital by Kusondharm volunteers, still alive.
UPDATE: Mr Surasri died of his injuries the following day.
Police will now attempt to track down the vicious gang, who will face charges of murder.